Posted on 07/21/2004 3:37:21 PM PDT by AAABEST
A little over a month ago my dad was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in his left lung. The plan was to go through chemo to try and bring it under control. He has since undergone one round of chemo.
The other day he took a turn for the worse and had to be rushed to the hospital, he was very pale and had to be rushed to the hospital because of shortness of breath.
He now is unconscious and on life support. In addition to having double pneumonia he has several blood clots, one of which is lodged in his lung. The cancer turned out to have spread to his liver and I believe his heart (according to my aunt). He can not breath on his own right now.
This all happened very suddenly, I just talked to him on a few days ago.
Anyway my aunt (his sister who is actually closer to him than I) called me last night to let me know what was going on and said that there was no hope she was opting for taking him off the respirator. I'm not aware of all of the legalities, medical intricacies etc. I told her that as long as things followed the teachings of the church, I would trust any decision she makes. IOW no removing of food and water, last rites etc.
Today I get out of a meeting and have a message from her and the doctor to call them. I call her she has him call me back. It turns out this is MY decision to make, even though I'm not there. I asked the doctor if there is any hope that he could regain consciousness, he tells me that he's not God and that the chances are slim but there is a remote possibility. One of the reasons for his lack of conciousness is all of the drugs they have to administer to manage pain and keep his heart going.
At that point I told him that this simply was not my decision to make. As long as there is a chance that my dad could become conscious and make these moral (and legal) decisions on his own with his own life, I couldn't possibly give this "OK" that they want.
It's not that I don't want to, it's that I simply can't.
In any case his cancer is inoperable and incurable and the doctor said that he's never seen anyone in this condition live more than a few months regardless.
Also, I'm all the way down here in Southwest Florida and he has 2 sisters visiting there from out of state and others that his condition would cause a hardship for. I'm leaving Fri night or Saturday and will only be able to stay in Atlanta until Mon or Tues.
I know I could never give permission to take him off life support if there is a chance he could come out of this, even if only for a short time.
If anyone has any advice or input I would appreciate it. If you want to post prayers that's fine, but I know that nearly all of the blessed people here will be praying for him without my asking whether they are post their prayers or not. It's just the way you are.
His name is Walter.
I love your screen name, welcome to Free Republic.
Well, we're family. Please keep us posted on any developments. Continued prayers.
We tend to take care of our own and their families, because we *are* family. Corinthians tells us that we are all one in the Body of Christ.
Please keep us updated ((((((AAA)))))))
Please keep us informed on the condition of your father.
Just remember this is all in Gods hands not mens.
Continued peace to you and yours
We were "checkmated" out of having any opportunity to be with him again by the cancer. He was completely unable to breath on his own, the monitor showed him 100% dependent on the ventilator and he was deteriorating by the day.
After much consultation we made a family decision to let him be with God.
I didn't want to make this post for some reason but many of you were asking about and praying for him, not permitting me to get away from your kindness.
I want to thank you all for being so wonderful and helping me tremendously during this difficult time.
You made your decision in prayer and love. May you, your family and your father find peace and comfort. The update is appreciated.
my prayers are with you and your family for comfort.
some people find a christian's death a time for sadness,i am inclined to be happy.
your dad is home.
Sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort.
...chorus angelorum eum suscipiat, et cum Lazaro, quondam paupere, aeternam habeat requiem...
Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
I will pray for your father at Mass this morning. God bless you.
Prayers and condolences for you and your family.
Please post your replies to AAABEST
AAABEST, my prayers going up for you and your family. This is very sad. I am sorry you had to make this decision. I will be praying for peace and comfort for you. Thank you for letting us know. I can't reach you to give you a hug, so please accept this hug for you, from me, through Jesus.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
Goodspeed Walter. Love and prayers are with your family.
I join in prayers for you and the family - God's peace and blessing in accepting your father's homegoing.
The Lord has Walter in his arms, painfree and at peace.
My prayers to you for the same peace.
I am so sorry, AAABEST. In January, 2001, my Mother
was in a similar situation and the decision was not easy.Prayers for you and your family.
May your Father rest in peace.
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